Sir, - I am very sad to hear that there are plans afoot to "celebrate" the end of the millennium by re-ordering the sanctuary in Cobh Cathedral. Up to this point, the works of restoration and refurbishment have been well-executed and necessary and have met with the unanimous approval of locals and visitors alike.
The proposed changes to the sanctuary, and particularly the removal of the beautiful altar-rails, would be a disastrous mistake. On the threshold of a new era, it would leave future generations with one less irreplaceable artistic treasure. In addition, it would inevitably leave discord in its wake. This may be mute sadness and smouldering resentment, as has been the case in so many other towns and parishes, or it may be the sort of explosive opposition which was seen in Carlow.
My lord bishop should think again. - Yours, etc.,
Terry Browne, The Cedars, Monkstown Valley, Dublin.